I’ve blogged about it before: consistency. To be consistent means “always acting or behaving in the same way; of the same quality; continuing to happen or develop in the same way” (source). In a world where the next iPhone comes out moments after the previous one, where technology changes happen in the blink of an eye, where commitment to jobs and families varies, consistency is something we don’t always see modeled.

I’m so grateful for my parents and the consistency with which they raised my brother and I. They were fair, never (appearing, anyway) playing favorites and disciplining us when we needed it and being quick to praise as well.

We had consistent family times, eating dinner every night together at the table. My dad called our neighorhood friends, Morgan and Jordan, “the sharks” because they would ride their bikes in circles in the street outside our front window, watching us eat and waiting for us to be done so we could go back outside and play again. But that meal was important. The discipline was important. The encouragement was important. And above all, it was consistent in our lives and family.

As I’m currently sticking to the Holiday Hustle with Advocare and Janetha, I’m reminded (again!) of the value of consistency. It feels good to stick with something and see the positive results of not growing tired of discipline. I’m feeling fitter, leaner and getting on track with my eating in a way that is sustainable and steady.

This week at our small group we talked about some pretty big issues. Issues like egotistical leaders, poverty and spiritual emptiness. Big things that happen around the world like sex trafficking and persecution. As a Christian, these issues and those affected by them have always been on my radar (and they very likely are for you too, regardless of your religious beliefs), but I’ve often felt paralyzed by how to respond to such global problems. Even if I give, I don’t have much money; if I visit another country on a mission trip I can only help so much; how can I make a dent in anything?

Have you ever felt the same way? Whether about such world issues or your health? Like the task, the problem, the journey ahead is too great that you’re paralyzed to even get started?

I was reminded by my wise friends that sometimes we put things into BIG and little categories when, really, we should approach every action we take as valuable. In the context of our conversation, we were saying that it’s just as valuable to take care of your sick child at home as it is to take care of sick kids on the streets of India on a trip. It’s just as valuable to God that you are loving those around you as well as those in other countries, that you are leading your small team of co-workers well at work as well as being a leader in your church. Those little steps, being faithful with the small things, matter!

In the same vein, staying consistent with your daily choices matters just as much as losing 40 lbs. Choosing a healthier, less sugar-laden lunch one day matters just as much as working out hard for a week. Every action you take brings you closer or further from your goals and contributes to or takes away from a healthier lifestyle.

So if you’re not seeing change as quickly as you’d like, don’t get discouraged; stick with it. Each change matters and we need to be faithful to our bodies in the moment just as we’re being faithful over the long haul to keep fit and live well. Does that mean an occasional ice cream or sleeping in instead of working out? Yes! Life needs to be balanced. But I’m talking about that consistency that brings change that STICKS here…so keep it up! More than that, YOU matter. I’m rooting for you and truckin’ right alongside you as well.

Live well & be well!

Bonnie

On another note, check out our video from last week’s Train the Team! It was a great event that raised a lot of money and awareness for the village we support in Ethiopia. Cheers to a good weekend, all!

We are so used to instant results for so many things in life that it’s hard to be patient sometimes. But the goals that take time, energy and strength are usually the most rewarding. It’s hard to be patient but in the end it will be so worth it! Great post (as usual) Bonnie!

Yes – this is something unlike anything I’ve ever done, putting money down and ordering supplements and the like. But so far, so good! I’m excited to share (and, although cravings haven’t been bad, I’m kind of excited for a good ‘ol pizza when I’m done!). 😉 Love that line about your parents, ha!

Yes!! I have learned that lesson in a big way during this training. I swear it took forever to see progress, but that’s the difference between healthy & quick fixes. Each little step adds up and it does make a difference in the end. Same with giving – every little bit helps – it doesn’t matter how big or small!

Bonnie! This post was exactly what I needed to read for this season in my life. Consistency is HUGE and I don’t think you could ever write about it too much! I am so motivated from this. Thanks for being such an awesome model of this that can write from authority! 😉